This book gives a helpful summary that sets the stage for the context with which the book should be considered. In the summary, issues related to diversity and contextual changes that impact parenting are acknowledged. Specifically, historical changes that make parenting more difficult or challenging, such as cultural diversity, changes in family structure, technological influences, among other changes, are acknowledged. Additionally, the summary provides background on the rationale for the development of this study, related to specific recommendations from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The introduction to this book clearly identifies the scientific rigor undertaken to complete this systematic review of the parenting literature. Furthermore, the purpose and intended aims of this study are clearly established. In regards to criterion for evaluating evidence referenced in this report, criterion are clearly established in the areas of internal validity, external validity, practice significance and also implementation feasibility. Additionally, the committee aimed to clearly establish the organization of this report through the various chapters.

Chapter 2 has a clear purpose to present an overview of the findings related to knowledge and attitudes related to parenting and practices parents have that can be beneficial in the development of children. These areas promote development across the spectrum including physical health, emotional and behavioral health, social competence, language development and cognitive ability. Throughout this chapter, research is used to support the areas found to be most important, while also providing concrete skills that parents can implement. Additionally, the text includes information on gaps in knowledge and research of parenting practices. Again, references to cultural diversity are included. The chapter also addresses some controversial topics such as breastfeeding and corporal punishment, which again are supported with research from various studies. Similarly, potential barriers to implementing the various practices recommended through research are acknowledged.

Chapter 3 prevents an overview of policies that have impacted child well-being which all have been established through extensive research on practices that impact child safety and well-being. The authors note that specific examples of federal policies are included, but it is not meant to be an exhaustive list. This caveat encourages readers to go beyond what policies are presented and further identify other local, state and federal policies which currently or have the potential to impact child outcomes. This overview of policies highlights that it is not only parents that must intervene with young children, but overarching policies can have a significant impact on children, either through direct child-related policies or indirect policies that impact their parents and caregivers.

Chapter 4 presents an overview of various universal prevention programs aimed to assist parents. The authors discuss a first line of defense and prevention for parents is through well-care checks conducted by primary care physicians (PCPs) of children, but also barriers that parents may experience. However, a strong emphasis on collaboration between parents and PCPs is evident. This chapter also includes strategies in several specific parenting experiences that could also lead to parental stress such as family planning, breastfeeding vaccinations, obesity, child exposure to tobacco, and normal infant crying. Macro-level interventions, specifically related to public health campaigns are also highlighted as a form of universal prevention. A description of home visiting programs and the impact, specifically benefits related to child health, development and reduced risk of maltreatment are presented in a comprehensive, easy-to-understand manner, supported extensively by research. This chapter includes a review of in-home programs as well as those provided in early educational settings, all of which promote parental involvement which will be essential through elementary and secondary school. This chapter also addresses contemporary parenting practices and influences related to technology as a mechanism to promote positive parenting. Other forms of tangible supports including tax credits, food and cash assistance, and housing programs. A significant portion of the end of the chapter is dedicated to the review of family leave policies. While the authors provide substantial evidence from research studies to support the implied impacts and benefits of various programs, it is important that readers interpret these findings with caution. Given that none of these studies can employ a truly experimental design, all findings should be interpreted as associations, as the others do note in several areas, but not a direct effective on parenting practices and child outcomes.

Chapter 5 reviews specific targeted interventions for families and parents that may be identified as most at risk: those with special needs, contextual difficulties and those who are involved in the child welfare system. Challenges associated with these various contexts are discussed in detail. The chapter begins with an overview of parenting of children with special needs. The authors give a clear definition of both “special needs” and “disability” which helps to reduce ambiguity as to who might be included in this group. Programs that may assist parents with children who have special needs are reviewed, but the authors acknowledge limitations in finding interventions for this population which also limits empirical evidence for these programs. Several programs were also described for children who experience both emotional and behavioral difficulties, as parents may need additional support to parent these children. Specific programs, such as Triple P and Incredible Years are reviewed in regards to their components and research to support their effectiveness in practice. It is helpful that the authors noted that the majority of parenting programs are designed to aid with externalizing behaviors, while interventions for internalizing behaviors generally involved individual psychotherapy and counseling services. Throughout this chapter, the authors acknowledged the risk for parental stress in these populations and this should be considered in the context of parenting interventions. For example, a large portion of this chapter was devoted to “parenting facing special adversities” and at-risk families. While at-risk families may benefit significantly from parenting interventions, the authors included important caveats for this population such as not all families experiencing adversities will require interventions, but also these families may simultaneously have barriers to receiving services which providers and interventionists should consider. However, it was noted that these families will most likely have multiple needs and require various service, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment. For the various adversities described (e.g. parents affected by intimate parent violence), an overview of the impact on parenting and children is provided, risk factors and barriers, as well as specific programs that may be of benefit to these groups. Overall, this provides an overview of several programs to consider for parents, but the authors also acknowledged limited research on effective programs for various populations. This chapter concludes with a section on families involved in child welfare services. It is important to note that universal parenting programs aim to prevent parenting stress and child maltreatment; families involved in the child welfare system have already experienced these difficult situations and therefore programs should consider this context. Furthermore, it is important to distinguish between programs that address concerns related to neglect (the primary reason for involvement in the child welfare system) compared to interventions who have experienced other forms of child maltreatment.

The final three chapters of this text synthesize and evaluate the information presented in the expansive information covered in the previous chapters. Given barriers described in previous sections of this text, Chapter 6 provides a useful overview of strategies for increasing participation and retention in the programs described. These common elements include promoting a collaborative, rather than directive approach with parents, individualized services, consideration of trauma and cultural factors and inclusion of fathers (not solely mothers, as some programs do). Additionally, the authors review strategies for maintaining participation such as compensation for parents, and effective listening and engagement skills of workers. Next, Chapter 7 includes input and insight from the authors to present a macro-level framework for working with and supporting parents, focusing on the importance of research-supported interventions and engagement of parents in the overall process. Included in this framework are aspects of the programs reviewed and supported in Chapters 4 and 5, which also considered already established federal policies and practices (Chapter 3). Chapter 8 also provides conclusions and final recommendations that were introduced in the beginning of this text.

This text would be especially helpful for any professionals intending to work with parents, across various contexts. This could include undergraduate and graduate students specializing in any child or family-focused fields, current health educators and practitioners, as well as policy analysts and those working in macro-level practice. Given the comprehensive level of information presented, yet easy readability, this report could be used in an academic setting for parenting courses for undergraduate or graduate level students.